Southern highbush blueberry plant named ‘TH-906’

ABSTRACT

The new variety ‘TH-906’ ripens in mid-May in southern Georgia. The fruit of the new variety ‘TH-906’ are medium to large, with good scar, and have good firmness and flavor. The new variety ‘TH-906’ is vigorous with an estimated chilling requirement of about 550 hours at or below approximately 7° C. The asexually reproduced variety is reliably propagated vegetatively.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH

This invention was made, in part, with U.S. Government support on behalfof U.S. Department of Agriculture, Hatch Act Grant No. GEO 01663. TheU.S. Government has certain rights in this invention.

Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed: ‘TH-906’ is asouthern highbush blueberry plant that is a Vaccinium corymbosum L.

Variety denomination: The new southern highbush blueberry plant claimedis of the variety denominated ‘TH-906’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the discovery of a new and distinctcultivar of southern highbush blueberry plant botanically known as aVaccinium corymbosum L and herein referred to as ‘TH-906’, as hereindescribed and illustrated.

The new blueberry plant variety ‘TH-906’ was first identified growing ina cultivated area at the Georgia Experiment Station in Griffin, Ga. in2005. The new variety ‘TH-906’ is early to mid-season, ripening afterthe early commercial variety ‘Star’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,675) insouth and middle Georgia, but before ‘Camellia’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No.18,151). The fruit of the new variety ‘TH-906’ has medium to largeberries, with good scar and good flavor as compared to ‘Star’ and‘Camellia’. The new variety ‘TH-906’ is vigorous with an estimatedchilling requirement of about 550 hours below 45° F. when produced undertypical low to mid chill production regions. Pedigree and history:‘TH-906’ was selected in 2005 at the Georgia Experiment Station inGriffin, Ga., originating from a cross of ‘TH-653’×‘Millennia’ made byDr. Scott NeSmith in 2002. The female parent ‘TH-653’ is a non-patentedbreeding line. The male parent ‘Millennia’ is the subject of U.S. PlantPat. No. 18,816. ‘TH-906’ was first asexually propagated in 2005 inGriffin, Ga. by softwood cuttings. Asexually propagated ‘TH-906’ plants,propagated by softwood cuttings, have been observed growing in Griffin,Ga. and in Alapaha, Ga. The new blueberry plant variety ‘TH-906’ hasbeen shown to maintain its distinguishing characteristics throughsuccessive asexual propagations by softwood cuttings in Alapaha, Ga. andGriffith, Ga.

The selection has been tested in plantings at Alapaha and Griffin, Ga.established in 2007.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The new blueberry plant variety ‘TH-906’ has not been observed under allpossible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat withvariations in environment and cultural practices such as temperature andlight intensity without, however, any variance in genotype.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed in Alapaha andGriffin, Ga., and are determined to be the unique characteristics of thenew blueberry plant variety ‘TH-906’:

-   -   1. Good flavor;    -   2. Excellent plant vigor;    -   3. No notable diseases or other pest problems.

Compared to its female parent ‘TH-653’, the new variety ‘TH-906’ ripensearlier than ‘TH-653’ and exhibits a more concentrated ripening.‘TH-906’ has a better picking scar than ‘TH-653’. The berries of‘TH-906’ are less firm than those of ‘TH-653’. Compared to its maleparent ‘Millennia’, the new variety ‘TH-906’ plant is more upright andreaches a greater height than ‘Millennia’. ‘Millennia’ tends to be amore spreading plant. ‘Millennia’ flowers earlier than ‘TH-906’. Also,the berries of ‘Millennia’ are larger than the berries of ‘TH-906’ (for‘Millennia’, typical berries are 2.3 to 2.8 g versus typical ‘TH-906’berries of 1.6 to 1.8 g.

The new variety ‘TH-906’ can be compared to the southern highbushblueberry varieties ‘Star’ and ‘Camellia’.

Comparison: The new variety ripens after the early variety ‘Star’ insouth and middle Georgia, but before ‘Camellia’. ‘TH-906’ has medium tolarge berries. ‘TH-906’ has better firmness, scar and flavorcharacteristics as compared to standards in Griffin and Alapaha over a5-year period (Tables 1 and 2). Table 3 depicts berry weight, firmnessand Brix for ‘TH-906’ as compared to several southern highbush blueberrycultivars, including ‘Camellia’, ‘Rebel’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 18,138),‘Star’, and ‘Suziblue’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 21,167). ‘TH-906’ produceshigh quality firm fruit as apparent from the comparisons.

While the major attraction of ‘TH-906’ is fruit quality, the varietydoes have an additional favorable attribute. High quality southernhighbush blueberry varieties are desirable for home gardens. ‘TH-906’plants are very vigorous, making them well suited for home gardeners. Nonotable diseases or other pest problems have been observed in ‘TH-906’that are not also common for other varieties, also making it suitablefor home growing.

TABLE 1 5-year average ratings of some fruit and plant characteristicsof ‘TH-906’ and southern highbush standard cultivars ‘Camellia’ and‘Star’ from (2009-2013) in field test plots in Alapaha, GA. Ratingscales are based on a 1 to 10 score, with 1 being the least desirableand 10 being the most desirable. A value of 6-7 is generally consideredto be the minimum acceptable rating for a commercial cultivar. Theseplants were established in 2007. Alapaha location Attribute ‘Star’‘Camellia’ ‘TH-906’ Berry size 7.6 ± 0.2 8.9 ± 0.2 7.6 ± 0.2 Barry scar7.0 ± 0.1 7.2 ± 0.2 7.6 ± 0.1 Berry color 7.1 ± 0.1 8.7 ± 0.2 7.9 ± 0.1Berry firmness 7.2 ± 0.1 7.2 ± 0.1 7.5 ± 0.3 Berry flavor 7.0 ± 0.1 7.8± 0.1 7.9 ± 0.2 Cropping 4.7 ± 1.7 5.4 ± 0.3 5.1 ± 0.8 Plant vigor 6.3 ±0.2 9.8 ± 0.2 9.1 ± 0.3 Date of 50% flowering March 3 March 11 March 8Date of 50% ripening May 8 May 15 May 12 Fruit development 66.3 ± 6.1 65.3 ± 4.9  66.0 ± 5.0  period (days)

TABLE 2 5-year average ratings of some fruit and plant characteristicsof ‘TH-906’ and southern highbush standard cultivars ‘Camellia’ and‘Star’ (2009-2013) in field test plots at Griffin, GA. Rating scales arebased on a 1 to 10 score, with 1 being the least desirable and 10 beingthe most desirable. A value of 6-7 is generally considered to be theminimum acceptable rating for a commercial cultivar. These plants wereestablished in 2007. Griffin location Attribute ‘Star’ ‘Camellia’‘TH-906’ Berry size 7.4 ± 0.2 8.6 ± 0.2 7.3 ± 0.2 Barry scar 6.9 ± 0.17.0 ± 0.1 7.1 ± 0.1 Berry color 7.1 ± 0.1 7.9 ± 0.2 7.4 ± 0.3 Berryfirmness 7.2 ± 0.1 7.2 ± 0.1 7.2 ± 0.2 Berry flavor 7.1 ± 0.1 7.4 ± 0.27.6 ± 0.2 Cropping 6.8 ± 1.1 7.9 ± 0.2 6.5 ± 0.9 Plant vigor 8.5 ± 0.39.8 ± 0.1 8.5 ± 0.3 Date of 50% flowering March 13 March 25 March 20Date of 50% ripening May 25 May 31 May 29 Fruit development 73.3 ± 10.467.3 ± 4.8  70.4 ± 7.5  period (days)

TABLE 3 Berry weight, firmness, and Brix for several southern highbushblueberry cultivars and ‘TH-906’ grown in Griffin, GA during 2013. Berryweight Berry firmness Selection or cultivar (g) (g/mm) Berry Brix (%)‘Camellia’ 2.56 150 13.3 ‘Rebel’ 2.52 192 12.5 ‘Star’ 1.79 191 13.5‘Suziblue’ 2.54 190 13.7 ‘TH-906’ 1.70 209 13.3

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying photographic illustration shows typical specimens infull color of the foliage and fruit of the new variety ‘TH-906’. Thecolors are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a colorrepresentation of this type.

FIG. 1 is a photograph the new variety ‘TH-906’ during flowering inGriffin, Ga.

FIG. 2 is a close up photograph the new variety ‘TH-906’ duringflowering in Griffin, Ga.

FIG. 3 is a photograph of new variety ‘TH-906’ during fruit ripening inGriffin, Ga.

FIG. 4 is a photograph of typical fruit of the new variety ‘TH-906’.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

Throughout this specification, color names beginning with a small lettersignify that the name of that color, as used in common speech, is aptlydescriptive. Color names beginning with a capital letter designatevalues based upon the R.H.S. Colour Chart, 5^(th) edition published byThe Royal Horticultural Society, London, England.

The following is a detailed description of the botanical and pomologicalcharacteristics of the new variety ‘TH-906’. Where dimensions, sizes,colors, and other characteristics are given, it is to be understood thatsuch characteristics are approximations and averages set forth asaccurately as practicable. The descriptions reported herein are largelyfrom asexually propagated specimen plants grown in Alapaha and Griffin,Ga., with supplemental irrigation. The observed plants were about 5 toabout 7 years old.

PLANT

-   Size: 2.2 to 2.5 m tall by about 5 years of age. The plant crown, or    base, is narrow, typically 20 to 30 cm in diameter. Upper portion of    plant canopy exceeds 1.8 to 2.2 m in diameter by 5 to 6 years.-   Growth habit: Semi-upright, with 3 to 5 main canes arising from the    crown and multiple branching of shoots from those canes beginning 15    to 25 cm above ground.-   Growth: Highly vigorous.-   Productivity: Medium to high yield, averaging 8 to 12 lbs of fruit    per plant each year plants 5 years and older grown under well    fertilized and irrigated field conditions.-   Cold hardiness: Similar to other southern highbush cultivars such as    ‘Star’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,675) and ‘Camellia’ (U.S. Plant Pat.    No. 18,151).-   Chilling requirement: Around 550 hours of temperatures at or below    about 7° C. (about 45° F.) to induce normal leafing and flowering    during the spring under conventional production systems. The chill    requirement is similar to the female parent ‘TH-653’ (500 to 600    hours of chilling required), but more than the male parent    ‘Millennia’ (350 or less hours of chilling is required.-   Leafing: Plants tend to break sufficient leaf buds simultaneously    with, or shortly after, anthesis.-   Canes:    -   -   Diameter.—30 to 40 mm in plants that are about 5 years old            and older. 20 to 25 mm in first major branch diameter. 10 to            15 mm in about 2 year old wood. 5 to 10 mm in current season            wood.        -   Color.—Brown N200C in plants that are about 5 years old and            older. Grey 201B in first major branch. Yellow Green 145B to            Greyed Orange 177A in about 2 year old wood. Yellow Green            145B in current season wood.-   Fruiting wood: Numerous twigs 20 to 25 cm in length, with internode    lengths of 20 to 25 mm are common.-   Disease resistance: No exceptional disease resistance or    susceptibility observed; similar to southern highbush varieties    ‘Star’ and ‘Camellia’.

FOLIAGE

-   Leaf color: Healthy mature leaves.    -   -   Top side.—Green 137B, glaucous.        -   Under side.—Green 138D.-   Leaf arrangement: Alternate, simple.-   Leaf shape: Elliptic.-   Leaf margins: Nearly entire, smooth.-   Leaf venation: Pinnate, slightly reticulated.-   Leaf apices: Broadly acute.-   Leaf bases: Acute.-   Leaf dimensions:    -   -   Length.—50 to 60 mm.        -   Width.—25 to 30 mm.-   Petioles: Small.    -   -   Length.—4.0 to 6.5 mm.        -   Width.—1.5 to 2.0 mm.        -   Color.—Yellow Green 145C.

FLOWERS

-   Date of 50% anthesis: 5 year average March 8 in southeast Georgia;    March 20 in middle Georgia.-   Flower shape: Urceolate.-   Flower bud number: High, averaging about 5 to 7 buds per cluster per    fruiting season.-   Flowers per cluster: 5 to 7 common.-   Flower fragrance: Light rose fragrance noticed at times.-   Corolla:    -   -   Color.—White N155B to White 155C (open flower).        -   Length.—8.0 to 9.0 mm.        -   Width.—7.0 to 8.5 mm.        -   Aperture width.—3.5 to 4.0 mm.-   Flower peduncle:    -   -   Length.—9 to 12 mm.        -   Color.—Green 139D.-   Flower pedicle:    -   -   Length.—4.5 to 5.0 mm.        -   Color.—Green 139D.-   Calyx (with sepals):    -   -   Diameter.—6.0 to 7.0 mm.        -   Color (sepals).—Green RHS 138C.-   Stamen:    -   -   Length.—6.0 to 7.0 mm.        -   Number per flower.—10.        -   Filament color.—Yellow-green 145D.-   Style:    -   -   Length.—8.5 to 9.5 mm.        -   Color.—Yellow-green 145C.-   Pistil:    -   -   Length.—10.0 to 12.0 mm.        -   Ovary color (exterior).—Green 138C.-   Anther:    -   -   Length.—4.0 to 4.5 mm.        -   Number.—10.        -   Color.—Greyed-Orange 165A to Greyed-Orange 165B.-   Pollen:    -   -   Abundance.—Medium.        -   Color.—Yellow White 158A.-   Self-compatibility: The cultivar has demonstrated a moderate degree    of self-compatibility.

FRUIT

-   Date of 50% maturity: May 12 (5 year average) in southeast Georgia,    May 29 (5 year average) in middle Georgia.-   Fruit development period: 65 to 70 days.-   Berry color:    -   -   With wax.—Violet Blue 97B to Violet Blue 98D.        -   With wax removed.—Black 202A.-   Berry surface wax abundance: High.-   Berry flesh color: Green White 157B.-   Berry weight:    -   -   First harvest.—1.6 g to 2.0 g.        -   Second harvest.—1.4 g to 1.7 g.-   Berry size:    -   -   Height from calyx to scar.—10.0 to 14.0 mm.        -   Diameter.—16.0 to 18.0 mm.-   Berry shape: Semi-spherical.-   Fruit stem scar: Medium-size, medium-dry, little to no tearing at    harvest.-   Calyx: Depth 2.0 to 3.0 mm; width 5.0 to 8.0 mm; sepals not highly    visible, inward and flat when present.-   Berry firmness: Moderate to very firm.-   Berry flavor and texture: Very sweet, mildly acidic flavor; smooth    texture.-   Storage quality: Good.-   Suitability for mechanical harvesting: Not suited.-   Uses: Most suitable for home gardens.

SEED

-   Seed abundance in fruit: Medium, with 10 to 20 fully developed seeds    per berry.-   Seed color: Greyed Orange 165B.-   Seed dry weight: 41.0 mg per 100 seeds.-   Seed size: 0.7 to 1.2 mm long; 0.5 to 0.8 mm wide for fully    developed seeds.

What is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of southern highbush blueberry plant named ‘TH-906’, substantially as illustrated and described herein. 